Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Manzone.
Hi Olivia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been crocheting for several years now, my mom taught me how to do it. I instantly fell in love with the craft and have found it to be a great source of expression and comfort for me. I also use crochet as a way to unwind in the evening. I am a middle school art teacher, and crocheting helps me relax after work. I started my business because I have always had a passion for entrepreneurship. I wanted to be able to share my art with others and by participating in pop up markets and networking with others, I have been able to do that. I have been selling at pop up markets for a couple of years now and I truly enjoy getting to meet fellow artists and talk to new people who appreciate the arts and want to support local artists.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any venture, owning a small business is not easy. There have been some bumps along the way, such as markets not being as profitable as they could have been, injuries, and also having a full time job on top of it all really makes things difficult. Being a small business owner really feels like a one man show sometimes, since you have to handle marketing yourself, building a brand, and making your own inventory. Throughout all the strife and difficulties, it’s still very rewarding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’d say I’m most known for my opossums! They are my specialty, and I really enjoy making them. I have normal gray opossums and I also make rainbow colored opossums, which I call “Pride ‘Possums”. I think having a variety of items you might not see other crochet artists make sets me apart from others. I am really proud of being able to run my business in addition to being a full time teacher. I find time to manage both aspects of my life pretty successfully.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success by my own terms. To be successful, you need support, dedication, and determination. Support is important, whether it’s from a loved one or a trusted friend, support will get farther than you could alone. I also believe that dedication is an important part of success. Without being dedicated, you might not ever know how successful you could be. Lastly, I also believe that you need to be determined. Even when things get tough or don’t go as anticipated, you have to keep pushing forward and trying until it works.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/oliviasoddity
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivias_oddities?igsh=ZWJ0M3lzN3Vidm1i&utm_source=qr
